Is There a Case of the Flu in Your Future?

Imagine that a simple test could tell whether you were going to come down with the flu or a cold even before you get hit by a sore throat, runny nose or fever.

Scientists at Duke University here and at other research centers have been working to develop such a predictive test by delving deep into the mechanics of how viruses affect people at the molecular level. In early encouraging results, the researchers have identified a handful of genes that are activated by viruses, but only in those people who subsequently came down with flu or cold. Study participants who didn't end up getting sick, even though they were exposed to viruses, didn't exhibit such genetic activity.